The Andean trail: a traveler's guide to the capitals up high.LATIN TRADE'S readers know that a good trip to Bogota must include dinner in a seafood restaurant on the top floor of the World Trade Center. The magic of La Paz La Paz, city, Bolivia La Paz (lä päs), city (1992 pop. 713,378), W Bolivia, administrative capital (since 1898) and largest city of Bolivia. The legal capital is Sucre. , Quito's architecture and Lima's ideal climate for golf also made our readers' checklists. BOGOTA BEST COFFEE There are few people with thick country-style mustaches and satchels walking the world with a mule, talking about the joys of Colombian coffee. So it only makes sense to head to a place with the name Juan Valdez Juan Valdez is a fictional character that has appeared in advertisements for the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia since 1959, representing the Colombian coffee farmer. He typically appears alongside his mule Conchita, carrying sacks of harvested coffee beans. to enjoy the numerous varieties of the bean. [57] (1) 321-0257. www.juanvaldez.com BEST BAR Live music by the group Morris and Santiago Cruz is the main attraction at El Sitio Latin internet portal founded in 1997, by Roberto Vivo-Chaneton and Roberto Cibrian-Campoy. Founded in Argentina, El Sitio was considered one of the principal Spanish language internet companies of the late 1990s dot-com boom. , a spot preferred by Bogota natives when it comes time to go out. The band is expert at performing music as varied as Soda Stereo Soda Stereo or Soda Stéreo is an influential Argentine rock power trio formed in 1982 (see 1982 in music) consisting of guitarist and vocalist Gustavo Cerati, bassist Zeta Bosio and drummer Charly Alberti. , Mejandro Sanz, Juan Luis Guerra Juan Luis Guerra (born June 7, 1957 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) is one of the most internationally recognized Dominican singer/songwriters. His pop style of merengue and bolero and Afro-pop/Latin fusion have garnered him considerable success outside the Dominican Republic. and Carlos Vires, among others. [57] (1) 236-6310 BEST NIGHTCLUB If you want to escape the Bogota traffic, stop by the legendary restaurant-disco Andres Carne de Res in the nearby city of Chia. This is a must-see. There one can enjoy criolla delicacies like toasted plantains known as patacon, chunchullo sausage and corn arepas, its famous barbecue and the country's largest salad bar, while the eccentric owner plays DJ, improvising on the Colombian national anthem. Per person, with food and drinks, is US$40. [57] (1) 863-7880. www.andrescarnederes.com BEST-KEPT SECRET Dining at the French restaurant Casa San Isidro San Isidro (sän ēsē`thrō), city (1991 pop. 299,022), Buenos Aires prov., E Argentina. It is a district administrative center in the Greater Buenos Aires area. San Isidro grew around a chapel built in 1706. is among the most elegant nights out in Bogotfi. On Cerro Monserrate, at 3,200 meters above sea level Meters Above Sea Level is a standard metric measurement of the elevation of a location in reference to mean sea level. Uses Meters above sea level is the standard measurement of the elevation or altitude of: BEST RESTAURANT La Fragata, for most Bogota natives, heads the list of the city's best restaurants, particularly for seafood. On top of many years of tradition, the well-designed restaurant adds three locations, including one on top of the World Trade Center, which revolves high above the city. [57] (1) 218-4456 CARACAS BEST HOTELS Radisson Eurobuilding is the most modern hotel in Caracas. It has 600 rooms, seven restaurants, 20 meeting rooms and a convention center for 3,000. Rates begin at us$129. [58] (212) 902-1111. www.eurobuilding.com.ve. On the eastern side of the city is the Hotel Tamanaco InterContinental, a classical-style building with a wide lobby, outdoor pool, three international restaurants and 740 rooms. US$132. [58] (212) 909-7111. www.intercontinental.com. The J.W. Marriott has 239 rooms, three restaurants, a bar, sauna and pool. It's only steps away from the Chacao shopping center shopping center, a concentration of retail, service, and entertainment enterprises designed to serve the surrounding region. The modern shopping center differs from its antecedents—bazaars and marketplaces—in that the shops are usually amalgamated into . Rooms from US$120. [58] (212) 957-2222. www.marriott.co.ve BEST RESTAURANTS In San Ignacio San Ignacio (the Spanish-language name of St. Ignatius) is a common toponym in parts of the world where that language is or was spoken:
n. A large estate or cattle ranch in Spanish America. [Spanish, room, enclosure, country estate, from Vulgar Latin *stantia, something standing, from Latin is among the best restaurants for meat lovers in Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. . Per-person prices range from US$30 to $45. [58] (212) 261-1874. Maute Grill also specializes in U.S.-style grilled meats. It's in Las Mercedes Las Mercedes is a shopping district of Caracas, located at the Baruta Municipality. Mostly famous for its discos and pubs, it also contains many famous clothing and fahsion stores, art galleries, and some of the most expensive and exclusive restaurants of the city, that , an upscale area of Caracas. Per person between $30 and $45. [58] (212) 991-0892. www.mautegrill.com. Mezzanotte is Caracas' restaurant-with-a-view. A modern space with seating for 80, it offers a menu that blends Italian with a Venezuelan flair. Per person $30 to $45. [58] (212) 993-6761. www.mezzanotte.com.ve BEST BARS Juan Sebastian Bar is a well-known jazz bar best for live music. Seating for 120. On the upper floor, the Limonchello restaurant serves up Italian favorites. [58] (212) 951-5575. Spirit Bar has international dishes in a 120seat room, specializing in risotto ri·sot·to n. pl. ri·sot·tos A dish of rice cooked in broth, usually with saffron, and served with grated cheese. [Italian, from riso, rice, from Old Italian; see rice. and pasta. [58] (212) 993-2894 BEST NIGHTCLUB A restored home in the Las Mercedes restaurant area has become a popular stop on the nightclub circuit. Called Malabar, the first level has a small restaurant with 40 seats. On the second floor there's a generous terrace and a bar. Young professionals, business people and the Caracas jet set often come here. [58] (212) 991-3131 BEST SHOPPING Sambil is Venezuela's biggest shopping center, with five levels, two large underground parking areas, 16 movie screens, 13 restaurants and bowling. [58] (212) 267-1201. www.sambilmall.com BEST CAR RENTAL Hertz has offices in the international airports Simon Bolivar de Maiquetia, Maracaibo, Margarita Margarita (märgärē`tä), island, 444 sq mi (1,150 sq km), in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela. With many smaller islands it constitutes the Venezuelan state of Nueva Esparta (1990 pop. 263,748). , Puerto Ordaz Puerto Ordaz is a planned city which, together with the older settlement of San Felix, forms Ciudad Guayana in Bolívar State, eastern Venezuela. Puerto Ordaz is located at the confluence of the Caroní and Orinoco Rivers and is the site of the Llovizna Falls. , Maturin and Valencia. It keeps a fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles. Rates start at US$100 a day. [58] (212) 905-0300. www.hertz.com.ve BEST MEETING SPACES The Caracas Hilton is just 25 kilometers from the Maiquetia International Airport and very close to the Venezuelan capital's business district. An often-used site for major conventions and international summits. Rates start at US$79. [58] (212) 503-4203. www.caracas.hilton.com.ve. The Tamanaco InterContinental is in the Chuao area, near several oil companies' headquarters. Meeting rooms provide Internet access See how to access the Internet. , fax and projectors. Its restaurants feature French and international cuisine, and there is a large terrace. Rates from $132. [58] (212) 909-7111. www.intercontinental.com BEST NEIGHBORHOOD Las Mercedes is the most cosmopolitan area of Caracas, home to the country's largest financial institutions, big business and the best restaurants in the city. Close by are the city's largest shopping centers, as well as its most exclusive hotels and nightclubs. BEST CAN'T MISS El Avila National Park is 2,765 meters above sea level and covers 85,000 hectares. The park has jungles, rivers and lakes. One can reach the summit on foot from the end of Avenida Don Bosco de Altamira or from Mariperez. Also, there's a cable car, called Avila Magica, which traverses the hillside. In the park there's an ice rink, the Zoez Museum of Ecological Art, fruit and flower vendors, the Fondue restaurant and the historic Humbolt Hotel. BEST COFFEE In the southern wing of Centro Comercial San Ignacio de La Castellana is the most-visited coffee bar in Caracas. [58] (212) 263-3082. www.centrosanignacio.com BEST TRAVEL AGENCY Previously known as Caracas Travel, Transamerica Viajes also has locations in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , Europe and the major cities of Latin America. The company is most known for its personalized service. [58] (212) 284-8946. www.transamericaviajes.com BEST SPA Spa Center is in the Ciudad Tamanaco shopping center and offers relaxation and beauty treatments for men and women. It is a gym, sauna and indoor pool and offers yoga and Tai Chi Tai Chi Definition T'ai chi is a Chinese exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. classes as well as hydro-massage, mesoterapia and other activities. From US$60. [58] (212) 959-3070. www.miccct.com BEST GOLF Caracas Country Club has the most extensive sports complex in Caracas. It's on the city limits with the El Avila National Park. It also has Venezuela's oldest golf course. Greens fees are US$55. [58] (212) 261-0867. www.caracascountryclub.com LA PAZ BEST HOTEL Radisson Plaza has 239 modern rooms on 14 floors. Strategically located near the financial district and the city's historic downtown, the five-star hotel has a restaurant featuring traditional Bolivian cuisine, Aransaya. Rooms range from US$73 to $200. [591] (2) 244-1111. www.radissonbolivia.com.bo BEST CAN'T MISS On Calle Sagarnaga, in the oldest part of La Paz, visitors will find a wide selection of handicraft handicraft: see arts and crafts. shops. Also, on the so-called "Calle de las Brujas," there are Andean fortune-tellers, known as chamanes. BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE Lake Titicaca Lake Titicaca sits 3,812 m (12,507 feet) above sea level making it the highest commercially navigable lake in the world [1]. By volume of water it is also the largest lake in South America. is just 37 kilometers from La Paz. On its shores is the famous Copacabana sanctuary, a spiritual center visited by hundreds of believers. Considered sacred by the Inca, the lake has 36 islands that tell the tale of Andean civilization Andean civilization Complex of aboriginal cultures that evolved in the Andean region (see Andes Mountains) of western South America before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century. by way of a large network of museums and archeological ruins. LIMA Lima, city, Peru Lima (lē`mə, Span. lē`mä), city (1990 metropolitan area est. pop. 6,400,000), W Peru, capital and largest city of Peru. Its port is Callao. BEST HOTELS With 25 floors and 300 rooms, the Marriott is the biggest hotel in Lima and one of the city's most exclusive. Aside from first-class service--and a stupendous stu·pen·dous adj. 1. Of astounding force, volume, degree, or excellence; marvelous. 2. Amazingly large or great; huge. See Synonyms at enormous. view of the Pacific--the hotel is conveniently located in the upscale Miraflores neighborhood. LATIN TRADE Latin Trade is a monthly magazine covering global business in Latin America and the Caribbean. Similar to Forbes and Fortune Magazine in coverage, the magazine was founded in 1993 and now publishes 87,000 copies 1 each month in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. readers also chose the Marriott as the best place for meetings. Rates begin at US$195. [511] 217-7000. www.marriott.com. The Miraflores Park is an elegant boutique hotel Boutique hotel is a term originating in North America to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/branded hotels and motels by providing personalized level accommodation and services / facilities. , also in Miraflores. It has 81 rooms with marble baths and Internet access. The hotel spent $3.5 million on renovations in the past year. US$350. [511] 242-3000. www.mira-park,com BEST RESTAURANT Costa Verde is a Lima classic, and one of few in the city on the ocean. Offering Peruvian and international cuisine, the restaurant holds the Guinness World Record for most entrees on a menu (more than 400). The buffet, only on Sundays at lunchtime, has a mere 150 entrees. The buffet is US$26 per person, while ordering from the menu runs around $30. [511] 477-5228 BEST TRAVEL AGENCY Lima Tours is one of the country's most experienced and well known. It's popular "Best of Peru" program offers itineraries from six to 19 days that include stops at the major cities and attractions. [511] 424-5110. www.limatours.com.pe BEST CAR RENTAL Hertz has all kinds of vehicles, from compact to luxury, minivans and four-wheel drive trucks. The company has two offices in Lima, one in the Jorge Chavez International Airport that is open 24 hours a day, all year round and another in the Miraflores district Miraflores is a district of the Lima Province in Peru. Known for its shopping areas, gardens, flower-filled parks and beaches, it is one of the upscale districts that make up the city of Lima. . [511] 575-1390. www.hertz.com.pe BEST MEETING SPACE Swissotel, built into an office complex, has 11 conference rooms and a big room with 618 square meters of space. Rates range from US$350 to $2,560 daily. [511] 611-4400. www.swissotel.com BEST SHOPPING Larcomar is one of the most modern and newest shopping centers in the city. The complex has panoramic views of Miraflores Bay, 12 movie screens, 24 bowling lanes, bars, nightclubs and a 200-seat theater. [511] 620-6000. www.larcomar.com.pe BEST COFFEE Steps from the Parque el Olivar El Olivar is a municipality located in the province of Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha, Spain. According to the 2004 census (INE), the municipality has a population of 161 inhabitants. , Cafe Ole offers Peruvian and international dishes. The te ingles This article is about an American supermarket chain. For a town in Gran Canaria, see Playa del Inglés. Ingles (NYSE: IMKTA) is a regional supermarket chain based in Asheville, North Carolina, where Robert "Bob" Ingle opened the first store in Asheville, NC in includes tea, a selection of sandwiches and dessert for just US$5. [511] 440-1186. Dark, wood paneling and leather chairs define Vivaldi Gourmet, an agreeable and cozy See COSE. place. The menu includes gourmet dishes from the region and the world, as well as breakfast and lunch specials. The buffet costs US$7. [511] 222-4587. www.vivaldi.com.pe BEST BAR El Espigon, better known as the bar of the La Rosa Nautica restaurant, is the only bar on Lima's beaches surrounded by water. To get there, you have to walk five minutes down a charming white pier lined with boutique shops, also lit at night. [511] 445-0149. www.larosanautica.com The bar-restaurant Huaca Pucllana is one of the city's most original, located inside the historic remains of an Incan pyramid, called a huaca, which is illuminated at night. [511] 445-4042. BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE Two hundred and sixty kilometers south of Lima is the fishing village of Paracas and the Paracas National Reserve, where the main attraction are the Islas Ballestas islands, where hundreds of sea lions, penguins and aquatic birds congregate. A trip to the islands can be arranged by the Hotel Paracas. www.hotelparacas.com BEST GOLF Because of limited rainfall, Lima is one of the few cities in the region where you can play golf year round. Although only members can get on the course, the Hotel Country Club allows guests to play at the Lima Golf Club for US$65 per person. [511] 442-6006. Golf Los Incas is in the Monterrico neighborhood. [511] 436-0100. Outside the city. near the Pacific ocean, is Country Club de Villa. [511] 254-0109 BEST NIGHTCLUB Since opening in October 2003, Aura has become one of the busiest nightclubs in the city. Inside the Larcomar shopping center, here you'll find tech music, pop, and three bars over a large dance floor. [511] 242-5516. www.aura.com.pe BEST BUSINESS SERVICES With more than a dozen small locations around the city, T-Copia specializes in digital printing, graphic design, photocopying, equipment rental and other services. [511] 441-0065. www.t-copia.com.pe BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD San Isidro is where you'll find the most luxurious hotels in the city, as well as the better restaurants and shopping. This business and financial district is home to headquarters for many of the country's biggest banks and multinationals, which line Avenida Canaval and Moreyra. The bars and restaurants on Avenida Conquistadores are busy in the evenings and weekends. QUITO BEST HOTEL With 241 rooms and 16 suites on 11 floors, the Marriott is Quito's newest and most luxurious. Five kilometers from the Mariscal Sucre Sucre, city (1992 pop. 131,769), S central Bolivia, constitutional capital of Bolivia and capital of Chuquisaca dept. Since 1898, La Paz has been the administrative capital of Bolivia. Airport, it's in the financial and business center of the capital. The Marriott was the official hotel in 2004 for the Miss Universe pageant and it has been recognized several times as the best of the Marriott chain, Booms start at US$160. [593] (2) 297-2000. www.marriotthotels.com Best Restaurant A traditional Ecuadoran restaurant, Rincon La Ronda has been open for over 20 years. It's located five minutes from La Mariscal Quito's restaurant area. Among its specialities are seafood and desserts. A meal runs US$16 per person. [593] (2) 254-5176 BEST TRAVEL AGENCY Metropolitan Touring is a leading company with five decades of experience in Ecuador tourism. The agency is a pioneer in ecological tourism on the Galapagos Islands, the country's main tourism draw. [593] (2) 298-8200. www.metropolitan-touring.com BEST CAR RENTAL Budget has been in the country since 1997, offering compact cars from US$31 a day, without insurance and limited to 150 kilometers daily. [593] (2) 223-7026. www.budget-ec.com BEST MEETING SPACES Services at the Hilton Colon include audio-visual equipment rental, a business center, and telecommunications services for meetings, cellular-phone rental, mail, fax and printing. The Hilton has eight connecting rooms adjustable to clients needs. www.hilton.com Swissotel's modern facilities has allowed it to host important events such as the annual meeting of the Organization of American States Organization of American States (OAS), international organization, created Apr. 30, 1948, at Bogotá, Colombia, by agreement of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, . [593] (2) 256-7600. www.swisshotel.com. BEST SHOPPING El Bosque El Bosque, Spanish for "the forest", may refer to:
tr.v. pop·u·lat·ed, pop·u·lat·ing, pop·u·lates 1. To supply with inhabitants, as by colonization; people. 2. . In 1996 the center underwent its first renovation to increase its size. [593] (2) 225-9444 BEST CAN'T MISS Forty churches and chapels, 16 convents and monasteries, 17 plazas of various sizes, 12 museums and thousands of colonial homes make historic downtown Quito one of Latin America's prettiest urban centers. BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE Getting away for the weekend is relatively easily from Quito. Just a few minutes down a modern highway is Valle de los Chillos, six villages characterized by mild climes and considerable foliage. Alangasi, Conocoto, La Merced La Merced may refer to
BEST GOLF Quito Tenis y Golf Club is considered among the 100 best in the world. It has 20 tennis courts and an 18-hole, 6,500-meter golf course. The exclusive club, home to the coronation dance of Miss Universe 2004. was born of the merger of the Quito Tenis Club and the Quito Golf Club. Its spa was also named best in the city by the readers of LATIN TRADE, [593] (2) 249-1420. www.qtgc.com. Arrayanes Country Club is 27 kilometers from Quito, in Puembo, near the Chiche Riven rive v. rived, riv·en also rived, riv·ing, rives v.tr. 1. To rend or tear apart. 2. To break into pieces, as by a blow; cleave or split asunder. 3. The capital's newest social club, it was built on 178 hectares of land. [593] (2) 239-3000. www.arrayanes.com |
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